You’ve probably seen the meme, “Strong is the New Sexy,” usually accompanying a photo of a muscled female in a skimpy outfit.

As a competitive bodybuilder and coach who is deeply entrenched in the world of wellness, it can be tough to break free from the idea that strength has anything to do with the way a person looks.

In reality, true strength has nothing to do with washboard abs, deadlift PRs or yoga inversions.

Here are 10 characteristics I’ve observed of truly strong women:

1. Strong women do not let rejection deter them. They push through criticism until they reach their desired destination. Their self-worth isn’t hinged on the judgments of others.

2. Strong women honor their inherent creativity as a divine gift. However dark or painful, they dig deep into themselves, mining the unique contributions they have to offer up to the world.

3. Strong women recognize that not everyone has good intentions. They put their intuition to work, they ask the right questions, and they keep both eyes open. They are sharp, quick-witted and discerning.

4. Strong women are able to tell the truth about their past because they’ve committed to learning from it while guiding others. They view the past as WISDOM instead of shame.

5. Strong women set an example for their children instead of employing, “Do as I say, not as I do.” They accept their babies as watchful, intelligent and autonomous beings.

6. Strong women aren’t afraid to ask for help when they need it. They won’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, counsellor or a coach.

7. Strong women respect and take care of their bodies. Their bodies are their homes. They don’t flood their homes with booze and drugs and other garbage.

8. Strong women say what they mean and mean what they say without apology. They are experts at conveying the word, “No.”

9. Strong women rise from the ashes of their former selves. They are built from the fires of hardship and struggle. They earn every bit of their strength.

10. Strong women carve out their earthly successes by helping other women succeed. They see their life-force as plentiful. Strong women help their friends surpass them with humility, not envy.The big picture is clear to them.

Our strength isn’t built in a gym — it’s built from the trials and tests we encounter in our lives.